Comic book heroes

Liveable city is one thing, but how many people know that Melbourne’s CBD has the best comic book shop in the world?

All Star Comics in Lonsdale has this year shared first place with a Nebraskan store at the Will Eisner Spirit of Comics Retailer Award in San Diego.

Owners Troy Varker and Mitchell Davies have been nominated in the past but this year won the big one at the world’s biggest comic convention.

Unfortunately, the dynamic duo couldn’t attend the ceremony but arranged to be represented by a couple of mates. They penned a few words graciously thanking the judges and the other contestants on the off chance that they won. And they did!

Business has picked up at their store since the word got out and the trophy itself arrived in the post last month.

“It’s snowballed since and a lot of people are starting to take notice of us,” a proud Mitchell said.

The Eisner Award citation read: “The award is given out yearly to retailers who have done an outstanding job of supporting the comics medium both in the industry at large and in their local community.”